BIOHAVEN PHARMAC.HLDG CO.

Biohaven Pharmaceutical shares fell 1.9% in pre-market trading to $15.40 after RBC cut its rating from "Outperform" to "Sector Perform" and lowered the price target from $23 to $19. RBC cited the higher valuation following strong gains, limited patient data and a poorly validated clinical differentiation of the epilepsy program Opakalim. Positively noted was the Kv7 licensing deal with SK Biopharmaceuticals, which brought in $400 million and strengthened the balance sheet, but increased clinical risk and a short interest of about 13.6% of the float weigh on the stock ahead of upcoming Phase-3 data. Xenon Pharmaceuticals is seen as at least two years ahead in the Kv7 area, dampening expectations for Biohaven. » More on de.investing.com

Biohaven grants SK Biopharmaceuticals exclusive worldwide rights to the Kv7 ion‑channel platform, including epilepsy candidate Opakalim (BHV‑7000). The agreement can total up to $795 million, of which $400 million is cash up front, but it results in the expected phase‑2/3 RISE3 study being removed from Biohaven’s pipeline. Investors reacted with a "sell the news" move, amplified by an earlier downgrade from Bank of America and a revaluation of the remaining immunology and oncology programs. A separate $4 million trade‑secret judgment in Biohaven’s favor provided only limited support. » More on de.investing.com

SK Biopharmaceuticals acquires worldwide rights to Opakalim, a series of Kv7 activators, and Biohaven’s Kv7 research platform for up to $795 million, including an upfront payment of $400 million (350 million at closing, 50 million one year later). The announcement drove the share price up 10.5%. Analysts confirm a positive outlook: Heungkuk Securities reaffirmed its buy recommendation with a price target of 140,000 KRW, citing strong revenue and prescription growth in the epilepsy business. » More on de.investing.com